On March 23, 1994, a Cessna 140 (registration N76342) operated by Vassilev, James H. was involved in an aviation accident near Celina, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TRANSMISSION WIRE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot lost control of his airplane after colliding with a power line over the Cumberland River. The passenger, a non-pilot, sustained fatal injuries.
Accident Overview
A student pilot flying low over the Cumberland River reported that his aircraft struck a power line. Following the collision, he lost control of the airplane, which subsequently crashed into the river. The passenger on board, who was not a pilot, suffered fatal injuries.
Pilot Information
The pilot had been issued his student pilot certificate 12 days before the accident. At that time, he reported a total flight time of 385 hours.
Investigation Findings
An inspection of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. The power line that was severed by the airplane was erected about 90 feet above the surface of the river.